26 May 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Guru Nanak Dev University has achieved a major academic milestone by securing the 14th position in the prestigious THE WEEK–Hansa Research Best Universities Survey 2026, surpassing Panjab University to emerge as the top-ranked university in the North region among multidisciplinary institutions.
According to the latest survey rankings, Panjab University was placed at the 15th position nationally, while Chandigarh University secured the 23rd rank among multidisciplinary universities in India.
In the North Zone category, GNDU climbed to the 6th position, moving ahead of Panjab University, which ranked 7th in the region. Only institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Banasthali Vidyapith and Amity University ranked above GNDU in the North Zone list.
University officials described the achievement as a reflection of GNDU’s rapid academic growth, institutional reforms, and expanding national reputation. Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh said the recognition highlighted the university’s sustained efforts in academic quality, research innovation, digital governance, international outreach, and student support systems.
The survey result is particularly significant because Panjab University had traditionally maintained a higher ranking than GNDU in previous editions. Education experts believe GNDU’s consistent investment in quality enhancement, infrastructure modernization, and research development contributed to its improved standing this year.
The THE WEEK–Hansa Research Survey is considered one of India’s major higher education ranking exercises. The 2026 edition evaluated universities using both perceptual and factual parameters, including academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, infrastructure, governance, student exposure, and institutional performance.
GNDU has also earned several recent recognitions in national and global rankings. The university was recently ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 under the “University Brand and Reputation” category, where it secured the 78th global position.
University authorities credited the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), faculty members, researchers, employees, students, and affiliated colleges for the latest achievement. Officials said systematic academic monitoring, documentation, and quality assurance initiatives played an important role in strengthening GNDU’s national and international reputation.
The ranking improvement also strengthens GNDU’s position among leading public universities in Punjab and North India. Academic observers say the competition among regional universities has intensified in recent years as institutions focus increasingly on research visibility, global collaboration, innovation, and employability.
The latest rankings are expected to further boost GNDU’s appeal among students seeking higher education opportunities in Punjab and neighboring states.